it is our problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is our problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express shared responsibility or concern regarding an issue or situation. Example: "We need to address the budget shortfall together because it is our problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is our problem.

The New York Times

If our theory fails to explain their behaviour, it is our problem, not theirs.

The Economist

"We did this to ourselves," said Mr. Koptides, 37. "It is our problem.

The New York Times

It is our problem because world economic activity would have been further impaired".

The New York Times

If their kit makes us uncomfortable, perhaps it is our problem, not theirs.

The Guardian - Opinion

And this is not a problem of foreign investment, it is our problem, it is our responsibility.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It's "our" problem and "we" need to solve it.

University of California, Berkeley

"It's not our fault — because we just ship the Android one — but it's our problem". So the company set out to build its own emulator.

TechCrunch

Now it's our problem too.

The Guardian

"It's our problem, not theirs".

The New York Times

"It's our problem," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is our problem", ensure the context clearly defines who "our" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify "it is our team's problem" or "it is our community's problem".

Common error

Avoid using "it is our problem" without clarifying the scope of "our". Readers might misinterpret the group you're referring to if it's not explicitly stated in the surrounding text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is our problem" functions as a declarative statement. It asserts that a specific issue or difficulty is the joint responsibility of a group. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in expressing shared responsibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is our problem" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote shared responsibility or concern. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, business, and academic contexts, indicating its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to clarify the scope of "our" to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "it's our responsibility" or "it is our concern" offer subtle variations in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively convey the intended message and promote collective action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's our responsibility

Replaces "problem" with "responsibility", emphasizing obligation rather than difficulty. This changes the focus to accountability.

it is our concern

Substitutes "problem" with "concern", softening the tone and highlighting worry or interest in the matter.

we are responsible for this

Shifts the structure to explicitly state that "we" are accountable. Places emphasis on the actors and their accountability.

this falls on us

Uses a more idiomatic expression to indicate that the burden or obligation rests with the group.

we have to deal with this

Focuses on the necessity of addressing the issue, highlighting the action required.

we must address this issue

Emphasizes the need to confront and resolve the situation, stressing urgency.

it's up to us to fix it

Highlights the agency and empowerment of the group to resolve the matter.

we are in charge of this situation

Highlights the authority and management of the group regarding the matter.

we are the ones who need to solve it

Clearly designates who must find a solution to the problem.

it is within our power to change this

Focuses on the ability and capacity of the group to effect change. Adds an element of empowerment.

FAQs

What does "it is our problem" mean?

The phrase "it is our problem" signifies that a particular issue, challenge, or difficulty is the shared responsibility or concern of a group of people. It implies that the group needs to address the issue collectively.

When should I use the phrase "it is our problem"?

Use "it is our problem" when you want to emphasize that a specific issue is not solely the responsibility of an individual but instead affects and requires the attention of a collective group.

What can I say instead of "it is our problem"?

You can use alternatives like "it's our responsibility", "it is our concern", or "we are responsible for this" depending on the context.

How does "it is our problem" differ from "it is my problem"?

"It is our problem" indicates a shared responsibility, whereas "it is my problem" suggests individual accountability. The former requires collective action, while the latter implies a personal obligation.